Border crossings by road are at Meghri (Iran), Sadakhlo, Gogavan, Gaiili and Bavra (Georgia). The only Buses, fixed-route vans (yertoughayin taxis), trucks and cars daily plow these well-worn highways. Using a bus or van, you get the cheapest rates. Hired cars are more expensive, but they are also more convenient, since drivers charge by the carload and you can split the costs between up to four people.

TAKING THE BUSThere are many buses that carry passengers in and out of Armenia, and the price---though more expensive than taking a train---is much cheaper than traveling by air. Buses travel between points in Armenia and Batumi, Tbilisi, Stepanakert, Tabriz, Tehran, Aleppo and Istanbul. Most are direct to Yerevan, but you can arrange with the driver to let you off at any point on the route.

On the Bus:Take everything you need to eat and drink. There are few Express buses (they are marked in Russian as ÝÊÑÏÐÅÑÑ or in Armenian as ºøêäðºê), so expect a lot of stops along the way. The buses travel some of the most scenic roads in Armenia, which make for good sight-seeing and photo opportunities. They do stop every so often for rests (the toilets are located behind the trees) and water, so you don't get completely claustrophobic. People carry everything with them on the buses, and they manage to cram it all in every nook and corner of the bus. With luck, one of those bags that tumbles out as the bus gets on its way will hold cheese, fruit and bread. Enjoy!